Chapter 1470: Witt's Troubles (Second update, please subscribe)
Unlike St. Petersburg, which is covered in ice and snow, the average temperature in Constantinople in January is only about 7 degrees, but for Russians, it is like a cool and pleasant spring. Since Russia "recaptured" Constantinople, millions of Russians have moved to this city, which has also rapidly Russified this capital of the Roman Empire.
In less than 20 years, the Ottoman influence disappeared from the city, and fountains and parks that disappeared during the Ottoman rule reappeared in the city. Parks are the favorite places of many Russians.
Especially this spring.
I guess so for now!
Because it was the weekend, there were many women with children sitting on the grass in the park, playing with their children or having picnics.
The men were playing chess or chatting in some corners, and of course, there were also people feeding pigeons in the park.
Sergei Witte, the finance minister of the Roman Empire, was sitting on a chair by the lake, feeding the pigeons. Sometimes, he would sit here alone for half a day.
"The weather seems to be very good today."
When the voice reached his ears, Sergei Witte raised his head and saw a tall Oriental man sitting next to him. His dress was not much different from that of Russians, and outsiders might think he was a Tatar.
"Yes! Such weather is impossible to see in St. Petersburg at this season, but here... even in the coldest season, it is as warm as spring. Look..."
Sergey Witt pointed at the people playing in the park, and his expression became a little sighing.
"Twenty years ago, no Russian would have thought that one day this city would return to Christianity, let alone become the capital of Russia."
Like many people, even now, Sergei Witte is still accustomed to calling the Roman Empire Russia. After all, they prefer to be Russia, and as for Rome... it's just a complex of theirs.
When they really realized the distant dream of the "Roman Empire" and fulfilled the Russians' "Messiah" savior complex, even though they kept talking about Rome, deep down in their hearts, they still identified more with Russia.
The man sat down on a chair and took out a chess set.
"Are you interested?"
“You can give it a try!”
Sergey Witt nodded.
The two of them started playing chess like this, and both of them seemed to remain silent while playing.
"It is foreseeable that if the conditions offered by London are attractive enough, the court's attitude may change!"
After playing more than ten moves, Sergei Witte was the first to break the silence. In fact, today's meeting was the one he invited. The person who was playing chess with him was none other than Shen Liwen, the second-class counselor of the Ming Empire's Embassy in the Russian Empire. The two of them had had many contacts at receptions hosted by the Ministry of Finance.
"What?"
Shen Liwen's hand holding the chess piece paused involuntarily. He even looked at the Minister of Finance with some surprise. What was he talking about?
London offers conditions!
They want to negotiate... How is that possible?
"Yes, you heard it right. Although this war was started because of us, the situation has changed now."
"Is it irreversible?"
"Our army is not making good progress in Persia, and in Constantinople, not everyone is crazy enough to push the border to the South Asian subcontinent. The Indian population there is too large for us to absorb, and it is impossible for us to absorb it,"
In fact, Witte also did not support the occupation of the entire India. He only supported the occupation of Persia. After all, the oil there was very tempting. Of course, another reason was that the population there was not large and could be absorbed and digested. But India was different. There were too many Indians there.
"So, in the court, some people agreed that Britain's withdrawal from Persia should be the condition for the ceasefire, and for the court, this was not an unacceptable condition. After all, it meant that Russia could achieve our goal without paying any price."
"So what are you worried about? I remember that you also advocate against expansion into India."
Shen Liwen was somewhat curious about why Witte told him this news. After all, Witte was opposed to the annexation of India.
"Mr. Shen, I am not against expanding into India, but I don't think we can absorb India. After all, it is a region with a population of over 270 million. Annexing India... God bless, by then it will not be Russia that annexed India, but India that annexed Russia. By then..."
Turning his gaze toward the park, Witt said in a not without sarcasm.
"Everyone here speaks with a hint of curry! But that's not why I'm against changing my stance."
We won’t know by then whether it will be Russia’s India or India’s Russia.
Staring at Shen Liwen, Witt said.
"I think we all know that the reason why Britain is making concessions now is because the pressure they are facing is unprecedented. In order to defeat France and Ming Dynasty, Persia is of course a sacrificial object. But what will happen after they defeat France and Ming Dynasty?"
While asking rhetorical questions, Witt said.
"At that time, Russia, with its vast territory, will become the imaginary enemy of the British. What we will face is not just suppression from Britain. It may even be a war. The future that awaits Russia is bound to be a lonely war without allies."
After expressing this point of view, Witte made a move, his brows furrowed, his expression solemn, as if he was looking at the chessboard, but in fact, he was thinking about the future of Russia.
The future situation is extremely unfavorable for Russia.
"Of course, we have another option, which is to join forces with the British. We can occupy the French colonies, or we can go all the way to Africa and occupy your colonies. The rewards we get will be very generous, but..."
"This cannot change Russia's future, Mr. Witte. We all know that whether you choose to cease fire or join the British camp, the conflict between you and Britain is inevitable. A strong Britain will not accept a strong Russia!"
Picking up the chess piece, Shen Liwen made a move.
"Of course! You must be asking, will the Ming Empire and France accept a powerful Russia?"
"Will it?"
Witt asked with a smile.
"Whether it is the Ming Dynasty, France, or Russia, none of them will sit idly by and watch one of them annex the other. Mr. Witte, we all know that the essence of the international political game is balance, the three kingdoms!"
As he spoke, Shen Liwen captured one of Witt's chess pieces, and then he said.
"Only when the three countries are in a balance of power can there be lasting peace between us. Any attempt by any party to break this balance is unacceptable and will directly lead to a war between the three countries. So I believe that there is lasting peace between us."
"Yes."
Witt nodded.
"That is why I chose to tell you this news. I hope you can send a special envoy as soon as possible so that we can resolve this issue fundamentally for the sake of our friendship."
"Friendship... If you have made up your mind, friendship alone cannot maintain the friendship between countries!"
Witt nodded, and then said nothing more, with a hint of worry between their brows. At this moment, they both knew very well that if there was not enough benefit, Russia would most likely betray the alliance!
Ten minutes later, after finishing a game of chess, the two thoughtful people said goodbye casually like strangers and left the park. Although they walked in two different directions, their heavy footsteps seemed to represent that the two countries were parting ways.
(End of this chapter)
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